The dilemma of book-buying

When buying books, I have 3 choices:

1) Go to Borders/Barnes & Noble. Advantage: Convenience. Disadvantage: Unless it's a new release, I pay full price. Not a problem for your average $15 paperback, but annoying when buying large, expensive books.

2) Order from Amazon.com. Advantage: Best discounts and no sales tax. Disadvantage: Delayed gratification, shipping charges.

3) (The real toughie, as if this didn't exist, the Amazon/bookstore choice would be easy depending on situation): Go to Strand. Advantage: Discounts almost as good as Amazon's and no shipping charges (though I do have to pay 8.75% sales tax) and instant gratification. Plus, I get to support an independent bookstore I really love. Disadvantage: I have to drive into the city. (If I paid train fare the advantage would immediately disappear.)

Now, I'm looking to buy the new Larousse Gastronomique. RRP: $75. Amazon price: $52.50. Strand price $55.95. What to do, what to do?

stolen from kesstrel

( What's on my desk? )